What is Vestibular Rehab
Vestibular rehab therapy (VRT) is a specialized physical therapy. VRT consists of exercise-based programs. It works on reducing symptoms of vertigo (spinning), imbalance, and dizziness. These symptoms come from the vestibular system (inner ear).
Proper treatment for these disorders can lead to recovery. In many cases, it can lead to one’s prior level of functioning. VRT teaches your brain how to compensate and adapt. Compensation occurs by working on strengthening other balance systems. This includes your sense of touch and joint movement.
GOALS OF VRT
Decrease
- Vestibular systems
- Anxiety
- Avoidance behaviors
Improve
- Sense of balance
- Comfort and tolerance during triggering activities
EXERCISE TRAINING FOR VRT
There are 4 main treatments used in VRT that work to retrain your brain:
- Habituation exercises that desensitize your brain. These exercises slowly expose you to triggering movements or visual motion (stimuli)
- Balance training improves your steadiness. Balance exercises include: eyes closed, head motion, and standing on uneven surfaces.
- Gaze stabilization training improves coordination of eye ad head movements. This is helpful for focusing on objects when in motion.
- BPPV maneuvers will move your inner ear crystals to their normal place. Your clinician will perform a specific sequence of movements on your head and body. When these crystals are out of place, it can lead to dizziness symptoms. (The crystals themselves do not detect movement.)
THE ABCs OF RECOVERY
- Arrange recovery time. Rest after doing activities that trigger symptoms.
- Be patient and pace yourself. Don’t push yourself too hard on good days. Don’t become too inactive on hard days.
- Celebrate all your efforts and progress, no matter how small.
Fall Risk Prevention
Falls among the elderly are prevalent, dangerous, and can diminish their ability to lead an active life. About one in three seniors above age 65, and nearly one in two seniors over age 80, will fall at least once this year, many times with disastrous consequences. Of those who fall, 20% to 30% suffer moderate to severe injuries that make it hard for them to get around and live independently. Older adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than they are for injuries from other causes.
1 in 3 Seniors Will Fall This Year.
Physical Therapy Can Make Sure You’re Not One of Them.
Falls are a big deal.
They can cause injuries and make it hard to live on your own. They can also make you afraid of
falling again. This fear might make you less active, which can make you weaker and more likely
to fall. It’s a tough cycle to break.
Falls aren’t a normal part of aging. Physical therapy can reduce your risk and help you stay
independent. Here are 5 ways your PT can help.
Creating a personalized exercise plan
Being active helps prevent falls. Your PT will make an exercise plan just for you, based on what
your needs and what you like to do. This should be fun! Think about going on walks, dancing,
aquatic exercise, or practicing yoga.
Making Your Home Safer
Many falls happen at home. Simple changes like removing tripping hazards and using night
lights can make a big different. Your physical therapist can help you with these and recommend
other modifications to make your home safer.
Strength and Balance Exercises
Strong muscles and good balance are key to preventing falls. Your PT will show you specific
exercises that help with both.
Addressing underlying health issues
Falls are often the result of multiple factors. Your PT can work with your other doctors to
address things like vision problems, heart issues, incontinence, or diabetes that might make you
more likely to fall.
Help you find community programs
Staying active is easier and more fun with others. Your PT can help you find group exercise
classes or other programs in your area that will help you stay strong and independent.
Take the first step.
If you’re worried about falling, or if you’ve already had a fall, don’t wait to get help. Talk to your
PT.
Falling isn’t a normal part of getting older. With the right help, you can stay strong, keep your
balance, and keep doing the things you love. Physical therapy is a great way to make sure you
stay on your feet and stay active and independent.
Take that first step towards better balance and a more active life. Your future self will thank you!
References
1. Exercise for falls and fracture prevention in long term care facilities: a systematic review and
meta-analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2013;14(9):685-689.e2.
a. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23860265/
2. Preventing Falls in Older Persons. Am Fam Physician. 2017 Aug 15;96(4):240-247. PMID:
28925664.
a. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28925664/
3. The Effectiveness of Physical Therapist–Administered Group-Based Exercise on Fall Prevention:
A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy
36(4):p 182-193, October/December 2013.
a. https://journals.lww.com/jgpt/fulltext/2013/10000/the_effectiveness_of_physical.5.asp
x?casa_token=r5fLfvxztA0AAAAA:9yaeibFmZiCeIZiQcSOVcbWkWpA_8spTG-bNT2UFaD2Dc7tljHsv3VW5XfmnvIySLNwrJDd7aqnJTsfdHmRqK8
4. Exergame technology and interactive interventions for elderly fall prevention: A systematic
literature review
a. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003687016302265
5. Reducing the Risk of Falling and Injuries From Falls: Research on the Value of Physical Therapy
a. apta-handout-falls-research.pdf
6. Physical Therapy Guide to Falls
a. https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-falls
7. Fall Prevention Starts with a Conversation
a. https://www.ncoa.org/article/falls-prevention-conversation-guide-for-caregivers
8. Balance and Falls
a. https://www.apta.org/patient-care/public-health-population-care/balance-and-falls
VIDEOS — Â Motivational & Physical Therapy Tips